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Railroad Research and Development

To foster long-range enhancement of the Federal Railroad Administration's program of research in support of rail safety by developing cooperative research relationships between the Administration and university organizations.

The Department of Transportation's mission is to ensure fast, safe, efficient, accessible and convenient transportation that meets vital national interests and enhances the quality of life of the American people, today and into the future.

Applicants must be major academic research institutions with backgrounds in the rail transportation arena.

A minimum of 5 years of railroad or railroad related research experience is required.

Beneficiary Eligibility

No restrictions.

Credentials/Documentation

As specified in program solicitations and Federal Register Notices.

Aplication and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

The FRA will announce specific pre- application coordination activities for each project area in the Federal Register.

This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.

12372.

Application Procedures

As specified periodically in the Federal Register, eligible applicants must submit a Program Application that consists of a University Profile and Proposed Research Projects. The applications are subject to the requirements of OMB Circular A-110. Applications may be obtained from the Office of Research and Development, Mail Stop 20, 1120 Vermont Avenue N.W., Washington, DC 20590. Telephone: (202) 493-6384. Fax: 202-493-1313. Email: Judy.Pharris@FRA.DOT.gov.

Award Procedures

As specified in Federal Register notices, applicants must first demonstrate satisfactory background and experience to the Office of Research and Development, Federal Railroad Administration. Second, proposed research projects are reviewed to determine those which most closely match the Administration's research objectives. Those applicants with one or more projects satisfying the second step criteria will be rank ordered based on qualifications and probability of success. From this rank ordering, the Administration established a group of selected universities as pre-qualified to perform solicited or approved research projects. Applicants within this group will be invited to enter into cooperative agreements.

Deadlines

As specified in Federal Register notices.

Authorization

Public Law 103-44, Section 216.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

Four to 16 weeks after application.

Appeals

To Administrator, Federal Railroad Administration.

Renewals

Grants contemplated in this program are predominantly project-oriented rather than on-going efforts and are therefore non-renewable.

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

There are no formula or matching requirements.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

Not applicable.

Post Assistance Requirements

Reports

A final report detailing the work conducted and the progress accomplished will be required.

Presentations at an annual workshop are expected.

Audits

In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations, nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in OMB Circular No. A-133.

In descending order of relative importance: (1) Overall scientific and/technical merit; (2) Degree to which it may improve upon or advance railroad safety; (3) Likelihood for its near term adoption and implementation of possible recommendations; (4) Degree to which the proposed project fits into the Administration's overall research objectives: (5) Reasonableness and realism of the proposed cost, and the availability of funds (to include due consideration for proposed cost-sharing by the applicant).